McCain Praises Clinton, Draws On Obama's Inaugural Address

Sen. Hillary Clinton's ascension to the post of Secretary of State has never really been in doubt, even after Sen. John Cornyn put a hold on a confirmation vote yesterday.

But on Wednesday, the New York Democrat and by extension Barack Obama got a bit of a political assist from the Republican party's former figurehead. Appearing on the Senate floor shortly after noon, Sen. John McCain praised his former colleague - with whom he has always shared a close relationship. But he went a step further as well, pushing forward the Obama inauguration meme that now was a time for setting aside "childish things." Said the Arizona Republican:

I would remind all my colleagues, we had an election and we also had a remarkable and historic time yesterday as this nation has come together in a way that it has not in some time. I like all good politicians pay attention to the president's approval ratings. They are very high. But more importantly, I think the message that the American people are sending us right now is that they want us to work together and get to work. I think we ought to let Senator Clinton, who is obviously qualified and obviously will serve, get to work immediately. And so I would ask unanimous consent at the completion of the remarks that any of my colleagues might have, that we initiate the vote at 4:30 and proceed by voice vote to the confirmation of Senator Hillary Clinton to be the next secretary of state of the United States of America.

A few speakers later, McCain's longtime friend and close confidant, Sen. Lindsey Graham also took to the floor to call for Clinton's nomination. "We have a new president," said the South Carolina Republican. "The campaign is over but the wars are not... I think this new president deserves to have his team in place and I cannot think of a better choice for Secretary of State. He has made his choice, the committee has acted, and I do hope that the Senate acts judiciously after lunch."

Clinton, in sheer political terms, doesn't really need either McCain or Grahams support. Cornyn, himself, said he would back her nomination but wants more transparency when it comes to the donors to her husband's initiatives. Ranking Republican Richard Lugar has offered similar concerns. But, all told, the former first lady seems like to breeze her way into Foggy Bottom later Wednesday.

But the quickness with which both McCain and Graham have become political allies in the Obama cause is something to behold. Certainly, it affects the debate that has been waged among progressive over the utility of the president's often-public GOP outreach. On Monday night, Obama headlined a dinner honoring McCain's service.

Comments

[hortonhearsawho2]

In a related story: Cindy files for divorce.

[lstl4]

McCain has come through for the President. Kudos to him....

[uglyhumanbeing]

an honorable man.

[hortonhearsawho2]

O is that indeed.

[blurredtruth]

McCain will be forever be remembered for passing CFR and his illogical positions while running for President. Funny CFR did him in and he lost. McCain is only concerned about being fawned over by the press and will say and do anything to support his cause. Bi partisan? No, just self centered taking care of himself.

[lafrance]

Cornyn and Vitter and a group of republicans are not ready to put away their toys and join the ranks of adults.
They still want to play childish games and behave like spoiled children.
I guess the opinion of the American public means nothing to these babies and their pouting.

[NotMcCain]

McCain would like to be re-elected. He's better off in AZ allied with Obama than with the wingnuts.

[calijon]

jm has always been a good guy. his problem is the primary was he was surrounded by scumbags.

[FrankenPC]

I've suggested this before and I'll suggest it again. EVERYONE, including Democrats were terrified of Dick "I'll shoot you in your face" Cheney. Why? I'm hoping in the reveal we will find out.

McCain used to be a decent guy. Something went horribly wrong with him. I hope the original comes back and this isn't a ruse.

[gopSTEALSyourTAXmoney]

NEVER was a decent guy.

[hortonhearsawho2]

with Scars to prove it....

[MrVincent]

WHO IS THE REAL John McCain???

Remember when he said that about Barack...implying he was not an American. Dont ever forget what McCain and "the dingbat" did during the campaign!!

[mistere92105]

Mr. V
Please provide a reference when making such claims. I watched this campaign thoroughly, and have never heard McCain (or his "dingbat") make any such claim. In fact, I remember Mc taking the mic away from at least one of his supporters who made such a bone head claim. I believe Obama is trying to get us to embrace one another...not continue the hate that has been spewed across this nation for the past 8 years.

[cardtosser]

My favorite moment of the campaign: a woman at a rally for John McCain said, “I don't trust Obama. I have read about him and he's an Arab.”


Sen. John McCain had to defend Obama, “No ma'am, no ma'am. He's a decent family man.”

Able to stand up for Obama and slam Arabs in a few words.

[MrVincent]

"It's not new for a conservative politician to suggest that the place from which their opponent hails affects what they say. But this seems like more. When McCain asks, "Who is the real Barack Obama," and later says, "You need to know who you're putting in the White House -- where the candidate came from and what he or she believes," he appears to be attempting to use the scurrilous rumors and fears about Obama for his own political advantage. "

http://www.salon.com/politics/war_room/2008/10/06/mccain_chicago/index.html

[MrVincent]

You can apologize to me now!!!!

[NJLawyer]

It's also smart politics for Republicans. You have more credibility to criticize if things go wrong if you're supportive when things are going right.

[LaFlow]

I'm not sure the Junior Senator from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts would agree with that sentiment.

[RenoSage]

Perhaps McCain is acting upon Obama's words: Unity of purpose instead of conflict. Wouldn't it be nice
if all of us pulled together?

[pegbo]

I think the pod person left and the real McCain was returned to earth.

[Lochmon]

And I suspect no one is more relieved about that than the senator himself.

[MarcInCA]

Nice. President Obama's efforts are being rewarded, and Senator McCain is returning to the magnanimous and pragmatic Senator I used to know. Its been a good first day.

[camper65]

RINO!!!

[3dtrix]

Dinosaur! This is a new age - adapt or go extinct.

[levelshot]

LOL

[aweissnet]

Good job.